Monday 21 January 2019 15:12, UK
Gareth Southgate says he would not be surprised if Harry Kane returns from his ankle injury earlier than expected.
The England captain suffered ligament damage in his left ankle during Spurs' defeat to Manchester United earlier this month.
His club expect him to return to training in March, but Southgate believes Kane's determination could see him come back ahead of schedule.
The England manager said: "It's a disappointment for any player to miss matches and Harry especially wants to be available for every game and have the opportunity to score in every game.
"Knowing his mindset there'll be a calendar on the wall and he'll be making sure he gets back ahead of where people are predicting he can be back."
Kane made 48 appearances for Spurs last season, as well as 11 for England. He has already played in 36 games for club and country this campaign, and Southgate believes the striker may have been due a rest.
He told Sky Sports News: "He has had a lot of matches over a two-year period now and inevitably at times the body takes care of itself. It gives you a sign that it is ready for a rest.
"He will use that time wisely and I'm already aware that he is focused on coming back as quickly as possible.
"He is determined to be back helping Tottenham as quickly as possible and I'm sure they and England will get a player who is refreshed from that little break and stronger again and hungry to go."
England's next fixtures are against the Czech Republic on March 22 and Montenegro on March 25 in their first two Euro 2020 qualifiers.
